Delmarva Camp Itch Checklist

Questions to ask the camp

• How do counselors check for ticks after wooded activities, and how often?
• What is the camp's poison ivy plan - wash station, dedicated soap?
• Which parent-supplied creams and repellents may be sent in?
• Where are wet swimsuits stored, and how quickly do kids change?
• When do counselors call a parent versus handle it on-site?

Repellent and clothing prep

• Treat two shirts and two pairs of socks with permethrin per label.
• Label a bottle of 20% picaridin spray with your child's name.
• Pack light-colored, long-sleeve options for greenhead days.
• Include a wide-brim hat and sunscreen stick for the face.

Dry socks, footwear, and wet-clothes storage

• Two spare pairs of dry socks in a labeled zip bag.
• One waterproof shoe or sandal option for wet trails.
• A gallon zip bag for used swimsuits and towels.
• A rule with your kid: change out of wet clothes at each transition.

Camp-approved relief supplies

• 1% hydrocortisone tube (labeled).
• Calamine lotion (small bottle, labeled).
• Fragrance-free cleanser or dedicated poison ivy wash.
• Kid-safe oral antihistamine per the camp's health form.
• Aloe or oat-based after-sun gel for heat rash.

Poison ivy exposure plan

• Wash exposed skin with cool water and soap within 30 minutes.
• Bag any contaminated clothes separately for a hot wash at home.
• Wipe tool handles, water bottles, and lanyards that touched the plant.
• Watch for a streaky rash 12 to 72 hours after exposure.

Three instructions for your child

1. 1Tell a counselor if a plant brushes your skin or you sit in tall grass.
2. 2Keep dry socks on, and change out of a wet swimsuit right after swim.
3. 3Show a counselor any bite, sting, or itchy spot still bothering you by dinner.